2016 Audi A8: recalls, fuel economy and safety ratings
EPA rates the 2016 Audi A8 at 16–28 mpg combined across 4 versions. NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls and 11 owner complaints for this model year.
Safety recalls
4
EPA combined mpg
16–28
NHTSA overall rating
—
Recall file dated Oct 27, 2026 · EPA file dated Sep 29, 2026 · updated Oct 27, 2026, 7:34 AM EDT
Check your own car: enter your 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls for that exact vehicle, and contact a Audi dealer to schedule the repair — safety recall repairs are free. The list below covers the whole model year, so not every recall applies to every car.
2016 Audi A8 recalls
NHTSA's recall file lists 4 safety recalls for the 2016 Audi A8, newest first.
Engine and engine cooling: Engine: Gasoline: Turbo/supercharger
NHTSA 22V178000Reported Mar 23, 2022
Filed by
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (manufacturer recall no. 21H7)
Units affected
26,093 (estimate)
Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2013-2017 A8, S6 Sedan, S7, S8, and 2014-2017 RS7 vehicles. The turbocharger oil supply strainer can become blocked, causing wear to the bearings due to lack of lubrication.
Risk
Worn bearings can cause the turbine wheel to contact the turbocharger housing or cause the shaft to break, causing an engine stall and increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the oil strainer and perform an oil change, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 4, 2022. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 21H7.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (manufacturer recall no. 51G6)
Units affected
12,964 (estimate)
Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2018 Audi S8 and A8 vehicles. The seal around the engine compartment may come loose and contact hot engine components.
Risk
If the seal contacts hot engine components, there could be an increased risk of a fire.
Remedy
Audi will notify owners, and dealers will install a retaining plate to prevent the engine compartment seal from loosening. The recall began September 4, 2020. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 51G6.
Fuel system, gasoline: Delivery: Hoses, lines/piping, and fittings
NHTSA 19V057000Reported Jan 28, 2019
Filed by
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (manufacturer recall no. 20BM)
Units affected
8,985 (estimate)
Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2013-2016 Audi A8 and S8 vehicles. The fuel supply line for the high pressure fuel pump may become porous and leak fuel.
Risk
Leaking fuel, in the presence of an ignition source, increases the risk of fire.
Remedy
Audi has notified owners, and dealers will install a fuel pressure damper, free of charge. The recall began February 21, 2019. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 20BM.
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (manufacturer recall no. 24DP)
Units affected
74,881 (estimate)
Problem
Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Audi) is recalling certain 2016-2018 Q7, A6 and A7 vehicles, and 2015-2018 Audi A8 vehicles. The left and right fuel rails may leak fuel.
Risk
A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source can increase risk of a fire.
Remedy
Audi has notified owners, and dealers will replace the left and right fuel rail, free of charge. The recall began February 28, 2019. Owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834. Audi's number for this recall is 24DP.
Recall summaries are written by NHTSA from manufacturers' defect reports. Dates are when NHTSA received the report.
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2016 Audi A8 fuel economy by version
EPA city/highway/combined estimates for each engine, transmission and drive combination. Annual fuel cost is EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year (55% city, 45% highway) at EPA's current fuel-price assumptions; your cost will vary.
Source: FuelEconomy.gov (U.S. DOE and EPA), file dated Sep 29, 2026. Each version links to its FuelEconomy.gov record.
EPA estimates come from standardized lab tests so cars can be compared fairly; real-world mileage depends on speed, weather, load, tires and driving style.
2016 Audi A8 crash-test ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings for the tested versions. More stars mean a lower chance of serious injury in that type of crash. Rollover risk is NHTSA's estimated chance of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
2016 Audi A8 NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
Tested vehicle
Overall
Frontal
Side
Rollover
Rollover risk
Forward collision warning
2016 Audi A8 LWB 4 DR AWD
Not rated
Not rated
Not rated
Not rated
—
Optional
2016 Audi A8 NWB 4 DR AWD
Not rated
Not rated
Not rated
Not rated
—
Optional
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (New Car Assessment Program), checked Oct 26, 2026.
Star ratings compare vehicles of similar size and weight; a frontal rating for a large pickup is not directly comparable with one for a small car.
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2016 Audi A8 owner complaints
Owners have filed 11 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 Audi A8, most recently on Oct 9, 2025. 0 mention a crash, 0 a fire, 0 injured people and 0 deaths. These are unverified reports; a complaint is not proof of a defect.
Most-cited components in 2016 Audi A8 complaints
Component named in complaints
Mentions
Engine
5
Unknown or other
2
Engine and engine cooling
1
Forward collision avoidance: Adaptive cruise control
1
Fuel system, gasoline
1
Lane departure: Assist
1
Lane departure: Warning
1
Power train
1
Structure
1
Suspension
1
Source: NHTSA consumer complaint files (complaints received since January 1, 2015). One complaint can name several components.
